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Packers Annual Checkup: TE Andrew Quarless

PAUL IMIG

FS Wisconsin

Today is the 38th day of FOX Sports Wisconsin Packers writer Paul Imig's offseason evaluations of every player on Green Bay's roster. Click here for all of Paul's previous evaluations and come back every day through mid-March for Paul's in-depth film and statistical analysis. Coming up soon:

Season stats: 0 starts (Knee injury from 2011 season kept him out all year)

Best game: n/a

Worst game: n/a

ProFootballFocus.com season rating: n/a

Expectations at the start of the season: Medium

Expectations were ... Incomplete

Looking live: Quarless, a fifth-round pick out of Penn State in 2010, suffered a serious season-ending knee injury late in the 2011 season. As was expected, Quarless was unable to participate at all in training camp or preseason games. He expressed optimism, though, that he would be physically ready to play in Week 1 of the regular season. That was unlikely to happen, but Quarless felt well enough to make that statement publicly. Or, perhaps it was just a way to boost himself emotionally through a difficult period. Either way, it didn't work out for Quarless, as he was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season. By mid-October, Quarless came off the PUP list and began practicing in a limited fashion. At that point, the Packers had a three-week window to take a close look at Quarless before having to decide whether to activate him or place him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season. When that time expired, Quarless was added to the active roster. He spent two games on the sideline with the team but was then placed on injured reserve. Quarless did not play a single snap in those two games on the active roster.

Upon further review: Out of the Packers' current tight end group, Quarless is most similar to starter
Jermichael Finley. Quarless is 6-foot-4, 252 pounds and is very athletic for his size. Finley is listed as being one inch taller and five pounds lighter, but if Green Bay decided to move in a different direction at tight end, Quarless would be the top contender to start. When Finley missed the final 11 games in 2010, Quarless -- a rookie at the time -- got to play far more snaps than expected. Quarless performed fairly well, too, catching a total of 26 passes that season (including one reception in the Super Bowl). With Finley back on the field in 2011, Quarless' role once again became much more limited. However, in his 204 snaps prior to his knee injury, Quarless proved to be Green Bay's best run-blocking tight end.

Overall 2012 grade: Incomplete

Status for 2013: 99 percent chance of being on the Packers' active roster in Week 1 next season. Quarless should be healthy enough to compete in most offseason workouts and, barring any further setbacks, will likely be ready to participate full-time when training camp opens in July. Quarless will be a free agent after the 2013 season, giving him one year to prove to Green Bay's front office and coaching staff what his future should be with the team. Quarless' knee injury derailed his career for more than a year, but he's still only 24 years old and is a talented player. D.J. Williams will provide competition for snaps at tight end in 2013 as well, but he lacks the valuable size of Quarless and Finley. If Quarless can bounce back positively after reconstructive knee surgery and an entire season off, he should give the Packers an added offensive threat next season.